There was a series on crosswalk.com earlier this year. 10 Ways We May Be Destroying Our Churches. Of course, there are more than ten. So, I borrowed the thought and called my series Ways people in church destroy churches from the inside.
Ways people in church destroy churches from the inside More
We have faith that our team will win. And faith that it will rain. Even that we can pick a winning lottery number. In all those cases, faith requires taking a risk on something you can’t see. Faith requires trust. So why do we have so much trouble with trusting God?
Faith requires trust: taking a risk on something we can’t see More
It’s Monday of radiation treatment week seven. I can see the finish line. Nine more sessions to go. And yet, it feels like that makes it harder. I think it’s called impatience.
Radiation treatment week seven – I can see the finish line More
Do you make Jesus pray in vain? If you’re like me, the answer’s yes. Way too often.
What do I mean?
Lk 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Satan is the accuser. He’s out to destroy all of us. With Jesus praying for us, how can Satan ever win?
Unfortunately, the answer is – all too often.
Do you make Jesus pray in vain? More
The Bible says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How is it then that we can be Christian and depressed? With all that love, joy, peace, Etc., is it really possible to still be depressed? From experience, I say absolutely yes.
Christian and depressed. How is that possible? More
Do you think domestic violence is satanic? Why or why not? Did you know the Pope said it’s “almost satanic”? I was shocked when I read that. I don’t understand. If domestic violence isn’t satanic then what is? Maybe I need to ask, what is domestic violence? Or possible, what is satanic? Do I have a wrong idea about one or both of them? I don’t think so!
Do you think domestic violence is satanic? More
Blessed are the peacemakers. But who / what are peacemakers? Some of you will think of a Colt handgun. Or a strategic bomber. Or maybe even an MX Missile. If you’re Christian, or think you’re Christian, hopefully those aren’t the first things that come to mind. Why not? Because Blessed are the peacemakers is something Jesus said. It’s one of the Beatitudes, from the Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are the peacemakers More
Is Covid-19 a modern-day exile scenario?
We look at the virus as a bad thing, maybe from God. However, those who have read the Bible know that sometimes God allows bad things in order to bring about better things. Or to wake up His people.
So, what if this is God’s way of showing us that we need to wake up? We’re supposed to be living in this world as if we’re in exile – right here, wherever we are. In exile from our Heavenly home. But we’re too busy turning this into a false “heaven on earth” kind of thing.
And we’re falling in love with it. And by doing that, we’re at risk of losing our real Heavenly home that God created for us.
Is Covid-19 a modern-day Exile? More
Don’t wait until you’re ready
If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll be waiting your entire life. OK, I’ll go along with that part. Even with: be as prepared as you can, but then dive in headfirst.
That’s all good stuff for the secular world. But we’re taking this to look at what it takes to be a successful Christian. Hopefully this part’s obvious, but we really ought to wait until God’s ready.
Don’t settle for less, #05: Don’t wait until you’re ready More
Blessed are those who mourn. Oh yeah. That’s a message we all want to hear. Especially when it’s translated as “happy are those who are unhappy”. But remember, this is Jesus. Everything’s either upside down or backwards. After all, Jesus is the one who said, Mt 20:16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” So what else should we expect?
Blessed are those who mourn More
